Ep1: Road to the 37th America’s Cup

Matt Sheahan and his PlanetSail team share the first episode in a regular series of features about the road to the America’s Cup that will take us from the first official event in Vilanova to the Cup match itself in October 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Here’s the episode synopsis:

At 172 years, the America’s Cup is the oldest sporting trophy in international sport and the latest Cup cycle is well underway. So, it’s perfect timing to kick off a brand new series that will take a deep dive into the Cup and look at everything from how the event works, to the complexity and outstanding performance of the current generation of boats as well as why this event is so special.

We will look at how the Cup has influenced the sport and why it has proved to be such an obsession for those that have tried to win the richest prize in sailing. Plus, we will be explaining what each of the steps along the way means and talking to each of the teams about their campaigns.

We start with the opening event of the 37th America’s Cup cycle in Vilanova, Spain, the first of two preliminary regattas.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 America’s Cup
August 29-October 7: Challenger Selection Series
October 12 – ?: 37th Match (Best of 13)

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home